*** Looking to improve gas milage... ***

I recently did the math for my mpg and was a little upset with the results I found...
I have a 2004 2.7L tacoma 4x4 and from my calculations I was only getting 15-16 mpg... to me that doesn't seem like that much for a 4 banger.

I have a K&N air filter and the rest is stock ( in terms of engine components )

does anyone have any thoughts on how to improve it or things to check that might be affecting my milage?

Any advice would be appreciated!!!

 

I advise you employ the search function of the site.

 

would doing the deck plate mod, flowmaster/magnaflow muffler, new plugs / wires help?

 

Intake and exhaust will do nothing to improve mpg.

 

i did... mostly talked about the secondary filter removal...done.
i may just replace the plugs because i'm not sure when there were done last... bought the truck about a year ago and I haven't looked at them yet...

 

lol touche... i assumed the last guy did it because it was already gone lol

are there any tutorials/diy things on how to do it... newbie when it comes to fluid changes..

 

No wires.
Im at about 16 mpg mixed highway/city too.

 

Snowman... is yours the 2.7L also?

 

I would do a tune-up on it. Sparkplugs, possibly wires depending on their condition and mileage, fuel filter, synthetic oil change and maybe even seafoam it if you're ambitious and then see where you're at. You could also check for any codes to just to confirm that nothing's up.

 

know of any forums/links on how to change fuel filter?

 

There probably is in one of the stickys listed at the top page of this section.

 

There arent any wires to check. And unless your truck is missing and throwing codes wires wouldnt make a real difference anyway.

 

I have a little experience in school from Aerodynamics and just by looking at your Avatar I'd say loose the front bull bar and the camper. Both of those components are spoiling the airflow over the truck.

 

^ +1

Do you have larger than stock tires, if so that slows down your odometer and makes it seem like your mpg is worse.

 

I think it has more to do with weight than airflow. I lost approx. 1 mpg when i put on my camper top. I avg. 19.3 mpg with it on then again i also have a a v6 so i could be the 4 bangers have to work harder to pull the extra weight

 

It's actually both but I was not going to elaborate because I'd probably loose everyone..

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/20079.shtml
Says 18 mixed here (new). So 16ish isn't too bad for an older truck especially if you have larger wheels and/or tires or carry a bunch of junk around... Like I do. Haha

 

sounds great then!

I'm liking the black tool box you have going on there Snowman!

I had to make a hard decision between two purchases last week... new black rims or sound system.... Had to go with the system for now... but black rims to some very soon!